The Program

Seeds of Peace is an international peacebuilding organization that was founded in 1993 by American journalist John Wallach.  The organization is currently based out of New York City but has other central and smaller offices around the world.  Seeds of Peace has produced over 5,000 Seed graduates since 1993.  John Wallach began the program with the hope of building peace in regions of conflict with the leaders of the next generation.  Every summer, teenagers come from all around the world to learn and understand the other side of the conflict.  By the end of both sessions of camp, it is the goal that campers go home with the leadership skills, knowledge and confidence to build peaceful relationships with others in their schools and communities.

The Seeds of Peace International Program began in 1993.  It focuses on and emphasizes the importance of conflict resolution.  Teenagers from the Middle East and South Asia come to learn and understand the other side of the conflict.  Some of the delegations that are represented every year at camp are: Egyptian, Palestinian, Israeli, Jordanian, Afghan, Indian, Pakistani, and American.  The program enables campers to learn about international conflicts and cultures firsthand.

The Maine & Syracuse Junior Leadership Program was added in 2000 in response to the changing demographics--growing communities of refugees and asylum seekers--in the State of Maine.  Seeds of Peace has been actively working with young teenagers in Maine to address inter-communal issues and tensions and to bridge the gaps between Maine's diverse cultures.  Beyond the camp experience, activities and events are held throughout the year to enrich and enhance one's understanding of the issues that the State of Maine faces.

For more information, please visit: http://www.seedsofpeace.org/ or http://maineseedsofpeace.weebly.com.

The Syracuse & Maine Peer Support Program

The Syracuse and Maine Peer Support Program began in 2013 as the result of the work of Dick Romeo and the legacy and vision of Senior International Advisor and Director of the Maine Seeds Program Tim Wilson.  The platform surrounding the Syracuse and Maine Peer Support program is one of personal growth, leadership, and change in the communities we live in.

While at camp, sessions are held in the Trophy Room and are based on a commitment to mutual respect, empathetic listening, and cooperative problem solving in a safe and supportive environment. We also learn about our own beliefs, values, and identities and dissect how to incorporate this into effective project building and realistic goal setting within the context and challenges of our everyday lives.

If you would like to contact one of the Peer Supports directly or have any questions, please email us at: psseedsofpeace22013@gmail.com.